The compilation, documentation and analysis of an institution’s energy consumption data forms both the basis and is a key function of operational energy management. Accordingly, the development of a consumption control system was one of the first energy management measures implemented by the Free University of Berlin. Since 2001, electricity and heat requirements in all university buildings have been compiled and evaluated.

The introduction of online energy metres opened up new energy monitoring possibilities. With the help of these, energy consumption in university buildings can be compiled and analysed in real time, working together with central building control systems. Modification of the metres to make them suitable for the largest university buildings has been underway since 2010 and should be completed by 2014.